As we begin to update our autumn wardrobes, autumn dresses are a great place to start.
Whether you’re embracing the Y2K fashion hype (even if you’re not Gen Z) or hankering for a nostalgic 90s inspired wardrobe, the sheer dresses, cut-out dresses and slip dresses we’ve been loving for summer are ideal for taking you into autumn, too.
You might not bare as much as you might have done for those balmy holiday evening outfits when colder weather sets back in, but that’s what oversized blazers, maxi coats and leather jackets are for. Switch out flat sandals for boots, or elevate a look for evening with some strappy heels.
Ready to embrace cosy autumn style? Look to long sleeve corduroy dresses, knitted dresses and floral maxis that’ll work from desk to dinners out.
If you have a special occasion coming up, amp up the glam with the best party-approved dresses for the season. It’s never too soon to bring out the sparkle.
Here are the dress styles to note for the new season and beyond…
Overstated vs. understated
If you’re a minimalist dresser at heart, you might stick to monochrome colours, switching between black dresses and white dresses and all the soft muted shades in between. A noted contrast to the bright dopamine dressing all over our Instagram feeds and the catwalks, black clothing was everywhere for autumn, from luxe minimalism to edgier gothic styles.
On the other side of the styling spectrum, where nothing is too much, there’s also no shortage of statement dresses this season. All-over sequins, exaggerated organza, and head-to-toe colour, bursting with bright neon shades, were stand-outs from the shows – and the high street has followed suit.
Knitted dresses
Heatwaves aside, knitted dresses have a place in your wardrobe all year round, especially loosely figure-hugging midi styles. For an autumn investment, consider longer sleeves and thicker woven fibres for extra warmth and comfort. Pair with knee high boots or stompy biker boots and add tights when the temps get colder.
Slip dresses
The slip dress and its simple bias cut silhouette is the perfect minimalist style for maximum impact, with a nostalgic nod to the 90s. Who can blame us for still wanting to look like Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell, Gwyneth Paltrow and Jennifer Anniston? For less nighty, more noughtie, look for square necklines, thin straps and side slits, over and above anything too lacy and floaty.
Cut out dresses
One for weekends and heading out, cut-out dresses are taking summer’s hottest trend and refabricating themselves for autumn months. I love designs with extra ruching and interesting shapes, elevating the simple silhouettes of summer we love so much into luxe dresses that are winter-ready.
Sheer autumn dresses
As we move from summer through to autumn, sheer fabrics are also staying, but silhouettes are shifting as we’ll begin to see maxi styles, with interesting ruching and ruffles. Don’t worry, we can help answer all your what to wear under sheer dress dilemmas too.
Corset dresses
Needless to say Y2K-fever has cinched popularity of corsets for another season. But, love them or hate them, some of the best autumn dresses take on the trend in more subtle ways, with corsetry-inspired bodices and structured waists that are super flattering.
Strapless dresses
In swift succession to corsetry-inspired dresses, strapless dresses have been growing in popularity again. Moving away from the soft linen styles of summer, the high street’s selection for autumn are more structured and party-ready.
Velvet autumn dresses
Velvet has timeless appeal, elevating dresses with its luxe look and feel. There’s a subtle decadence to it, making clothes look effortlessly smart and glamorous, while also being a warm and comfortable fabric to wear, especially from autumn to winter.
Sequin dresses
If your inner-magpie desire for sequins and sparkle eagerly anticipates party season every year, then this autumn you’re in luck, as sequin dresses were strewn across the catwalks, showing they don’t need to be reserved for Christmas alone.
Bohemian dresses
In softer focus are bohemian-inspired dresses, rooted in earthier shades, florals and embroidery. Yes, they’re catwalk worthy, but it’s the retro and care-free feel to them that’ll make them keepers in your wardrobe.
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